Dexter Emmitt Fletcher Stell III, “Decky”, 62, of Raleigh, passed away Saturday, April 1, 2017. He was born February 12, 1955 in Wake County to Dexter Emmitt Fletcher Stell, Jr. and Linda Massey Stell. He graduated from Vaiden-Whitley High School in 1973 and went on to receive a BS degree from East Carolina University in 1977. Decky worked for 37 years for F. E. Braswell Company and for 3 years as a pilot for the NC Forest Service. He was a life-long airplane pilot, completing his first solo flights on his 16th birthday. He was a member of the Carolina Aero Club, serving as president for several terms. He loved sports, boats and airplanes. He was a bold Christian serving in his church on the Men’s Breakfast Cook Team, Sunday school teacher in the toddler room, and a Deacon. Decky went on mission trips to India and the Czech Republic. Decky was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He was loved by his family and his many friends, and will be greatly missed. 

A service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, 27614. 

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service, 944 Old Knight Rd., Knightdale, 27545. 

Surviving: wife, Nancy Bashford Stell; children: Albert Grayson “A.G.” Stell and wife Torri, Kathryn Stell Schmidt and husband Zack; grandson, Fletcher Lee Stell; parents: Dexter and Linda Stell; sister, Robin S. Baker and her husband Marshall; brother, David M. Stell and wife Michelle.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Samaritan’s Purse. PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

 Service Information